Follow These Motorcycle Safety Tips

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 48-year-old Youssef Souliki was traveling Southbound I-95 south of Copans Road on Saturday at approximately 4:54 p.m. when, for reasons that are as yet unclear, he quickly changed several lanes and left the roadway on to the west shoulder. Souliki then overturned his Harley motorcycle and was ejected from it.

Souliki was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The crash victim was transported to Broward Health North and later died at the hospital and was pronounced dead at 8:10 p.m.

Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Motorcycle accidents can cause very serious injuries and even death. When riding a motorcycle, your safest bet is to always wear a helmet. A good helmet in a motorcycle accident can quite literally save your life.

You can make yourself much safer when motorcycle riding by taking the proper precautions. Before you even set out on the road, be sure to read your owner’s manual for safe operation of your motorcycle.

* Get the proper training required by your State transportation safety board and have the appropriate license before going out into traffic or around other vehicles. Many States sponsor classes at their own sites or through continuing adult education colleges for example to help provide instruction on motorcycle safety.

*Always wear a helmet that has been manufactured to the standards set by the DOT. A distinctive sticker is placed on all helmets that meet this requirement.

* Never ride more than two people on a motorcycle at any given time.

* The use of helmets, leather jackets, pants or even chaps for each rider on a motorcycle can also help lessen injuries in case of a spill.

* Be sure to always check to see that your brakes are in good working order.

*Check your horn to make sure it is working as well. Sometimes other motorists do not see you and a horn serves to alert them to your presence.

* Check the pressure in your tires often and make certain that the tire pressure is at the right p.s.i. recommended for your make and model of motorcycle.

* Be aware of potential hazards such as other vehicles who might not be able to see you, such as debris in the roadway, railroad tracks, or any other obstacles that can cause an accident. All of these things can catch a motorcyclist unawares and cause an accident.

* Make certain that other drivers are aware of your presence. This is, especially important when you are riding near large, over-the-road trucks. These vehicles often have blind spots that a motorcyclist can easily disappear in.

* Check your own potential blind spots by turning your head, know the limitations of visibility when wearing a helmet.

* Travel at the speed limit and be sure to allow yourself at least a two-second stopping distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you. If you are travelling on an open road or under highway conditions, and depending upon your rate of speed, your stopping distance should be increased to three or four seconds or even more. If it is dark, then the amount of distance required to stop your motorcycle should be increased even more. When travelling on a motorcycle stopping too quickly could result in the rider or passengers being pitched off of the bike..

*Never ride while impaired by the influence of alcohol and other substances. Even prescription and over the counter medications can impair you. Ride sober.

All of the information above can be found in the owner’s manual, and at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Website.

If you or someone you love has been involved in and injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, give us a call. When you have been in or suffered as a direct result of a motorcycle accident, having an experienced attorney can make all of the difference. The cost of damages, medical costs and a potential increase in insurance rates can be best addressed by an attorney who is there to help you. We will take the time to go over your specific case and set of circumstances and go over potential courses of action for you to take. Your initial consultation with our office is free.

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